Mingus is Joni Mitchell's 1979 collaboration with jazz titan Charles Mingus, who wrote several songs for the project. Mingus died shortly before the album was complete, and Mitchell dedicated it to him. Four songs by Mingus with lyrics written by Mitchell appeared on the album, including a version of "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," Mingus' tribute to saxophonist Lester Young, and one of his most famous compositions. In the album's liner notes, Mitchell said she felt fully immersed in jazz for the first time while making the record. "It was as if I had been standing by a river – one toe in the water – feeling it out – and Charlie came by and pushed me in – 'sink or swim'…"
Features
• 180g Vinyl LP
• 2024 Remaster by Bernie Grundman Under the Supervision of Joni Mitchell
• Gatefold Jacket
• Made in Germany
Musicians
Joni Mitchell guitar, vocals
Jaco Pastorius bass, horn arrangements on "The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines"
Wayne Shorter soprano sax
Herbie Hancock electric piano
Peter Erskine drums
Don Alias congas
Emil Richards percussion
Selections
Side One:
1. Happy Birthday 1975 (Rap)
2. God Must Be a Boogie Man
3. Funeral (Rap)
4. A Chair in the Sky
5. The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey
Side Two:
1. I's a Muggin' (Rap)
2. Sweet Sucker Dance
3. Coin in the Pocket (Rap)
4. The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines
5. Lucky (Rap)
6. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat